‘How may I be of service?’ The young footman finally realised he ought to attend to something more important than gazing at the war beasts.
‘Where might I find the Duchess?’ After all, Gizel was due a proper greeting.
‘In the drawing room.’
‘With Draco, I presume?’ He didn’t need to ask, but he did so almost out of habit.
‘Yes, the young master is keeping Her Highness company.’ The footman bowed gracefully.
‘Colonel, we’ll be here at the same time tomorrow morning.’ The heavily armoured guard accompanying Darius straightened up on his tarian, casting not-so-discreet glances towards the elves busy with their work.
‘Thank you, Harven. You’re free for the rest of the day.’ Bleist nodded to his temporary deputy and went inside. No sooner had he stepped through the door than another footman was already by his side, rapidly asking whether the earl required anything, whether he should serve supper, or perhaps prepare a bath. Darius calmly repeated that he needed nothing, whilst making his way towards the drawing room.
He entered the room without announcing himself; after all, he was in his own home. Just as he’d expected, he found Gizel talking to a young dragon, who was recounting something with great excitement. Given that today was his first day at Solvein, it wasn’t hard to guess what Draco might be on about. The only thing that didn’t quite fit the situation was the elf’s expression. Wrinkles had appeared on her beautiful face, and her gently narrowed eyes suggested that not everything she was listening to was to her liking. The last thing he needed was for something to go wrong on his first day. He thought to himself, but a warm smile spread across his face.
‘Gizel, forgive me for greeting you so late,’ he began from the doorway. ‘If you’d given me a heads-up, I’d have tried to get back earlier.’
‘I suppose I’ll stay a bit longer,’ the elf said curtly, her face softening ever so slightly. She rose from her seat as he approached her. ‘It’s nice to see you anyway, Darius.’ She
